Development as I see it

We may or may not believe in Darwin’s theory of evolution, but the truth is we have progressed from the days of living in caves to how we live today. Rome was not built in a day, it was planned and built for generations that followed to admire.

We witness these days water logging for example at Khareband near Margao and KTC bus stand in Panjim, ever stop to think why?? These are low laying areas fields or mangroves at one time that have been filled.
The subway near the railway line in Margao inaugurated with much fan fare with the two foot bridges flooded with water not to mention the surrounding area as well .It was no secret that this would happen even when the same was being constructed but it was phoo phooed .Now we are told this will be the order of the day for the rains ,what a waste of public money our money –This is development!!

Fancy light poles erected from Cavelossim to Varca over a year now not lit and even when it does happen I wonder who will foot the bill or change the bulbs when they fuse –This is development !!


What we see now is people investing in land and unlike in the past wherein our ancestors invested in land and grew fruit bearing trees and grew the fields .We see the trees grown by them cut and making way for hugh housing complexes .When it’s met with opposition it’s said Oh! these activist do not want development, may I ask them what do they mean by development wanton construction at the cost of our environment polluting the air the water the rivers and our wells .Goa is a tourist area famous for its beaches and its village life with its laid back style, will this development enhance this life style or change it forever.




I think we all agree that we need development but let us try and understand what it means to the common man.

We cannot have construction coming up in every available piece of land when our basic requirements as listed below are not met

Electricity – Sudden power failure, constant fluctuation resulting in damage to our electrical appliances .The need of the hour is to have new transformers that can cater to the present and any future requirement.
Drainage – Presently our drainage system is not maintained and that which is constructed with no heed to the rain water flow resulting in water logging in many areas giving raise to the mosquito menace .Roads that are being built care has not been taken to see the low laying area from the high-rise thus obstructing the natural flow of the rain water.
Roads- our present roads are in a bad shape with electric poles and trees in the way which result as a hazard to the motorist .Some roads are made with no proper measurement at one point they are broad then narrow as a result the motorist finds it very difficult to manoeuvre specially at the turns.
Garbage –We do not have any worked out method of garbage dispoasal,its imperative we get this before we approve any new construction project as the old traditional methods of garbage disposal is soon dying specially when one stays in bungalows and apartments/Flats .The most convenient way then it seems as its being done now is to put it over the bridge in the river Sal or in some pond by the road or in the fields.
Sewage- All new construction of row houses and apartments being approved safeguards need to be followed for the disposal of sewage .As this can lead to contamination of ground water effecting our wells.
Water Supply – We must ensure that our present water supply from the PWD is increased and maintained constantly.

After the above has been put in order we need to ensure that the builder when constructing has in his plan and provides open parking space, play park area for children ,Sewage treatment plant ,water harvesting facility ,Solar water heating for hot water ,garbage disposal area .Set backs from open ponds ,nullahs,rivers and fields .


Development is catering to the basic needs of the people as stated above ,once that is taken care of our planning bodies ought to look at our beaches see that they are clean ,
with well maintained public toilets and changing rooms .
Play parks one in at least every two villages maintained not like the one at Colva beach which is in shambles and we call our selves a tourist destination .
Our hills and forest need to be protected , develop good accommodation and encourage eco tourism for domestic and overseas tourist in these areas like log cabins .
Our rivers need to be cleaned and the surrounding enhanced to encourage fishing as a hobby or for ones livelihood .Each village or a group of them can have a recreational centre that will take care of the needs of the young and old alike, a day care centre for the aged to visit spend time and mingle with others .

Affordable land and housing that the youth of Goa can afford to buy in the land of their birth that is the need of the hour not the fancy apartments that come with an even fancier price tag.

This is what I call development where each one looks out for the other and protects each others interest so we grow as a community.

-By Kim Miranda